Chaos

by Edmund White

When a respected older man clings to the values and mores of the liberated 1970s, when he pursues sex relentlessly and his reputation suffers, Chaos ensues. White explores different aspects of aging, romance, and sex, inviting his readers to come with him to Florida, the Greek Isles, and Turkey ̮and into the chaotic gay demimonde of contemporary New York.

More by Edmund White

A boy's own storyEdmund White
The FlaneurEdmund White
The farewell symphonyEdmund White
Nocturnes for the King of NaplesEdmund White
The Beautiful Room Is EmptyEdmund White
GenetEdmund White
States of desireEdmund White
My LivesEdmund White
Jack Holmes and his friendEdmund White
Marcel ProustEdmund White
Forgetting ElenaEdmund White
Arts and LettersEdmund White

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?